A strike by workers at the Port of Baltimore and other ports threatened for next month has apparently been averted temporarily.

Both the International Longshoreman's Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance say they made enough progress in talks with a federal mediator this week, so they agreed to a 90-day contract extension.

The move averts a threatened strike on October 1, by 1,200 workers at the Port of Baltimore and 14,500 workers at 14 ports on the East Coast and Gulf Coast.

The contract will expire on December 29.

Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Jim White calls the contract extension a "step in the right direction," and he's hopeful a new contract can be reached.

White said the local longshoremen don't want to strike because they understand the impact it would have on the economy.

White said the last similar job action on the West Coast cost the economy $2 billion per day.

Maryland has had an upsurge in port business in recent years, and Baltimore is now number one in a key category, automotive shipping.

Overtime rules are one issues that have yet to be resolved.

Statement from James White, Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration

"The 90-day extension is a step in the right direction. WeÆre pleased that the recent momentum at the Port of Baltimore will continue uninterrupted during this period. It is critical that both sides use this extended time wisely and continue to talk in order to make progress toward a new agreement. It is within everyoneÆs best interests to do so."